Fresno State speaks on progress of new DeRuyter deal

Still, Fresno State is doing its damndest to hold on to one of the top non-Power Five conference coaches in the game.

Following up on reports that surfaced very early Friday morning, Fresno State clarified late that day “that it has reached an agreement with head football coach Tim DeRuyter with a letter of intent to extend his contract” through 2018. The release referred to the letter of intent as “a preliminary, non-binding agreement regarding certain key terms.”

In other words, the two sides are still working out the details and do not have a completed agreement.

“The extraordinary success Coach DeRuyter and his staff have achieved over the past two seasons warrants these actions by the University. It is our hope that these mutual commitments foster greater stability as well as the continued progression of Fresno State Football,” athletic director Thomas Boeh said in a statement.

During his two years in Fresno, DeRuyter has led the Bulldogs to a 20-6 record. They were in line to bust the BCS before a stunning 10-point loss to San Jose State in late November dashed those dreams.

Still, the 11 wins in 2013 were the program’s most since 2001. In the three years prior to DeRuyter’s arrival, the Bulldogs were a pedestrian 20-19.

“It’s very gratifying that Fresno State is pleased with the direction that the football program is headed and wants to show its commitment to our future,” DeRuyter said. “I would like to thank our president Dr. Joseph Castro, director of athletics Thomas Boeh, the Athletic Corporation and the administration for their support as our football staff and I continue to strive for championships and make the Valley proud of its team.”